An awesome hike through a remote section of Pinnacles and through High Peaks that offer magnificent valley views.

Location: Pinnacles National Monument

» Official Trail Map: Nice map showing all hiking trails.

» Old trailmap preserved by U Texas Library: Good map, very similar to the official trail map. This one shows creeks more prominently.

The route does not go through any caves. It visits High Peaks that offer awesome panoramic views and through the unmaintained Northern Wilderness Trail, which is 7 miles long. Some sections of High Peaks Trail are quite steep.

Route in brief: From the West Entrance, follow Juniper Canyon Trail (1.2 + 0.6 miles) → left on High Peaks Trail (0.7 + 0.6 + 2.0 miles) → left on Old Pinnacles Trail (1.0 miles) → right on Northern Wilderness Trail (7.0 miles, unmaintained).

Location: Pinnacles West Entrance on Highway 146 . No street address. Parking area is visible in Google Maps if you zoom in sufficiently.

Directions: (Borrowed from Pinnacles Official Website)

From the San Francisco Bay Area: Take Hwy 101 south to the town of Soledad, and then take Hwy 146 east. Take care as you're driving through town; the highway takes a few turns. Follow Hwy 146 for 14 miles into Pinnacles National Monument.

From the South: Take Hwy 101 North to the town of Soledad, and then take Hwy 146 east. Take care as you're driving through town; the highway takes a few turns. Follow Hwy 146 for 14 miles into Pinnacles National Monument.

Google Maps:

Parking Fees: $5 per vehicle (last visited: March 2010)

Capacity: Dozens of cars may be parked here.

Latitude: 36.491736     Longitude: -121.209481